Julie Anne Long’sPennroyal Green Series takes us through the lives, passions, adventures and misadventures of the denizens of Pennyroyal Green, Sussex, England, a town anchored by the wealthy Eversea and Redmond families —whose relations are civil on the surface, but seethe beneath with ancient secrets and grudges and —naturally — attractions.

Reflexology is not exactly massage, but is similar in that it is used to promote healing in all parts of the body by stimulating specific areas of the body, specifically the hands and feet. Reflexology is purported to relieve stress and to bring the body to a state of homeostasis, or equilibrium. Reflexology is used to help sufferers of conditions like arthritis, insomnia and muscle strain.

Reflexology chart citing the different parts of the body and their corresponding foot or hand reflex zones

Instructions

Get a reflexology chart. Reflexology charts can be found online and in books on reflexology (see Resources below). You can also purchase books specifically on giving reflexology treatment to others.

2

Visit the Reflexology Association of America Web site and look at their nationwide events calendar (see Resources below). Get some hands-on experience while being guided by well-informed instructors.

3

Call your local reflexology association or local reflexology practitioner. They may have their own courses and seminars that are not listed online. You can find a listing of associations and reflexologists on the Reflexology Association of America Web site.

4

Target the areas of the body you would like to treat with a reflexology massage.

5

Use the reflexology chart to find the areas of the hands and feet that correspond to the target body parts. Mark the hands and feet with a marker or pen that is safe for skin. You can also order reflexology socks, which are socks with the reflexology chart printed on the sole.

6

Apply firm and constant pressure to the reflex zones for at least 20 seconds at a time. One should be able to feel the pressure throughout the entire reflex zone.

7

Use reflexology instruments in place of your hands. There are probes, balls and rollers you can use to really stimulate the reflex zones. The cost of such materials is fairly inexpensive.

8

Repeat the reflexology massage as many times as you see fit. Some people use reflexology as preventative medicine and use it throughout their lifetime.

Tips & Warnings

Please consult a licensed medical physician if you or the person you give reflexology treatment to experience severe abdominal or chest pain or if reflexology treatments provide no positive results. Reflexologists are not licensed medical professionals and are not ones to diagnose or cure serious illness.

Avoid reflexology if you are pregnant.

Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.